Offshore Oil Rig Jobs

Offshore oil rig jobs are very much in today. Much of the world's oil supply is under water and companies are racing to extract it. That's why oil jobs are expected to increase by 30 percent in 2011.

People with previous experience will find it easy to get a job. Those who are hoping to get a cushy job in the oil industry will need to have prior experience as a welder, engineer, miner, heavy machinery operator, medic, etc. It is advisable to get experience in a land oil operation before applying for the more lucrative offshore jobs.

Technical diplomas are desirable and some certifications may also be needed such as H2S Alive Certification, TDG Certification, Certificate in First Aid Training, WHMIS Certification and the like.

The pay varies depending on the rank of the employee and the company he works for. The worker also typically spends half or more of the year on vacation which is a big plus in the eyes of many.

Offshore oil rig jobs are dangerous and some of the more common risks are falls, burns, machine-related injuries, chemical exposure, extreme temperature and severely inclement weather conditions. Working in the oil rig industry means working long hours and includes the possibility of fatigue-related accidents.

Generally, a young person who is in good physical condition will have the best chance of getting a job since it requires a lot of intense physical labor in all weather conditions outdoors. Unlike other types of manual labor though, jobs in offshore oil rigs can pay very handsomely indeed. Even an entry-level job can pay as much as a mid-level manger in large corporation and offer good benefits.

Due to the oil slump in the mid-90s, the oil industry let a lot of its workers go and now there is a dearth of experienced workers. This means that a person who is not afraid of hard physical labor can find many opportunities for advancement in the oil industry. A hard worker can start from the bottom with no experience and rapidly progress in his career simply because there are not enough experienced workers available now that the industry is rapidly growing.

In the current economic recession, offshore oil rig jobs are a welcome opportunity for high pay although there are also some risks involved.